7 Grub Spots In Harrisonburg, VA That Every JMU Freshman Needs To Know About

We all know JMU has some pretty good food on-campus. Good enough that we were ranked number five for Best Campus Food by Princeton Review. We have a brand new dining hall that is absolutely beautiful and has lines flowing out the door. The seniors, especially, are super excited to see the new and improved D-Hall after three years in the making. No matter how good JMU food is, there comes a point when we need a little break. Luckily, Harrisonburg has some great grub options. And, to top it off, a lot of them accept JACard Flex. I didn't find out about a lot of these delicious places until after I moved off-campus.

So, to the freshmen, here are seven grub spots you need to try.

1. O'Neill's Grille

"Any JMU student will tell you that this is the best place to get bacon cheese fries and cookie skillets."Anyone that graduates from JMU will tell you that this is the best place to get bacon cheese fries and cookie skillets. Seriously, they're amazing and will change your life. You won't look at cheese fries the same after tasting these waffle fries smothered in melted Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses and bacon bits served with a side of ranch dressing. #Yummm.

2. Benny Sorrentino's Pizza

If you want some delicious super-size pizza for a good deal, this is the place to go. You can get a giant slice of pizza that's basically the equivalent of 2 slices for only $4. They even sell whole pizzas that are 28" big. I've never had a slice of pizza bigger than my face until I went to Benny's. This place is definitely a favorite among pizza fanatics.

3. McAllister's Deli

I've actually never heard of this delicious deli and sandwich shop before coming to JMU. But let me tell you, once I stepped foot in there, I knew I would become addicted. If you're in the mood for a sandwich, salad, "spud" (loaded baked potato), or even soup, this is the place to be. They're known for their sweet tea, so if you like that, you can get a huge cup of it, plus free refills.

4. Billy Jack's Wing & Draft Shack

This grub joint is definitely one of the most popular in Downtown Harrisonburg. You've probably heard or will soon hear students on campus talking about their "Sticky Nuggs" craving. Definitely put this on your bucket list of things to try, because they are delicious and can be served in your choice of house-made sauce. They also have a menu full of yummy sliders as well as brunch options on the weekend.

5. Food.Bar.Food

You've probably noticed that JMU students live for brunch. While the dining halls do have an array of brunch options, this brunch spot is an absolute must-try. They serve brunch Tuesday-Sunday so stop in whenever you want. They have an assortment of brunch bowls on the menu that includes shrimp & grits, biscuit & gravy, and grits, with white bean chili and farm eggs.

6. Sakura #10

If you know, you know. This place is a hidden gem that I found with my friends when I was a sophomore. This special spot is known for its sushi and big hibachi portions. My favorite entrée here is the hibachi chicken. For $8.99, you get a small salad, chicken, and loads of veggies and rice. It's a pretty sweet deal for how much food you get. I always end up taking my meal home so I can enjoy it again for another meal.

7. Mr. J’s Bagels & Deli

Every town needs that go-to bagel shop. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, you will find many Dukes here grabbing a quick bite. Breakfast sandwiches are reasonably priced and you can customize them however you like. It's usually pretty crowded but that's how you know it's well-liked.

These are just a few of the many delicious grub spots you will find in Harrisonburg and you have 4 years to explore them all!

Remember To Be Kind To Theme Park Cast Members This Holiday Season

For those of you who have traveled to a theme park during the holidays, you know what you are in for.

The weeks right before and after Christmas are some of the busiest times of the year to visit, making the parks extremely crowded and wait times higher than usual. Yet, this time is so popular since it is fun to experience the magic of the season with your family during the special Christmastime celebrations at the parks that bring something extra to your holidays.

One of the most important things to remember during this time of year is to be nice to the cast members!

Families that come to the parks during this time have so much to remember and so much to do; unfortunately, something that is often forgotten during a vacation is to be thankful for those who have to work during this time of year.

The cast members and team members who work during the holidays are doing so at the expense of spending time with their own families. They are sacrificing their Christmas celebrations at home to be at work making your vacation magical.

Some of these workers are hundreds if not thousands of miles away from their families and may not have seen them for weeks or even months. Yet, they are here in Orlando working in a job that they are passionate about because they love making happiness for their guests

Making magic and spreading happiness is something that is important to us and why we love what we do. However, it is still really hard to be away from our families at Christmas.

Think it is hard to be a guest when the parks are crowded?

It's even more difficult for the cast members who are working as hard as they can, for 8-15 hour shifts, when things happen that are out of our control. We too dislike long waits, telling your child that he is too short to ride or the fact that a ride is temporarily closed. These things make our jobs difficult too, just as they may be a huge setback in your vacation plans.

So focus on the positive things and appreciate the time you can spend with your families and friends rather than dwelling on the things that may be small setbacks during an overall wonderful holiday vacation. Please be patient this holiday season. Give the cast members a smile and a pleasant "thank you" or "Merry Christmas". We are here for you and we want you to have a wonderful vacation, but it still makes an incredible difference to know that our work is appreciated.

At this time of year, it is important to spread Christmas cheer and we are excited to celebrate with you and your families!

ISABEL ALICIA: As expected. (Beat) I wouldn't expect anything less from one of your children.

(Beat)

PHINEAS: Must we still keep this from her?

ISABEL ALICIA: That she's not really a Faraday? Yes, if we want her, not to mention our reputations to remain intact.

PHINEAS: You know, it hurts me to lie to her, Belle.

ISABEL ALICIA: I know, me too, but it's for all our sakes. The world is still quite old fashioned. I doubt either of our countries would take well to a well-respected scientist having an affair with a married baroness. It wouldn't matter if we're good people or not.

(Beat)

PHINEAS: I still wish you could leave the Baron Faraday, or that you hadn't married him at all.

ISABEL ALICIA: It would still create a scandal if I left him for you, since we both know we can't stay away from each other. As for the latter... I suppose that was my own fault, not having realized our feelings for each other sooner. (She chuckles) I honestly thought those poems you wrote me in your letters were just you trying to show off.

PHINEAS: I kind of was, and I guess I should have been more straightforward.

ISABEL ALICIA: You were trying, I just didn't notice. We'd been writing each other since we were children, so I should have. I didn't realize until after I married Oswald.

(Beat)

PHINEAS: Did you ever love him?

ISABEL ALICIA: I did at one point. He was saying all the right things, and he was the right match. But as soon as Nigel was born, it just wasn't thrilling anymore. I guess it was all obligation. (She strokes his cheek) I only know what passion is because of you.

PHINEAS: I can say the same, for another person. I've always loved you, Belle.

ISABEL ALICIA: And I you, Phin. (She kisses him)

(CORA reenters, holding a book, but stays far stage right, and listens in. ISABEL ALICIA and PHINEAS do not notice her when the kiss is broken)

ISABEL ALICIA: I should repeat Coraline's sentiments, must you really go?

PHINEAS: As I've said to her, it's only for the week. I'll be back before you even notice I'm gone.

ISABEL ALICIA: I find that hard to believe, you're a hard person to miss.

PHINEAS: I try.

ISABEL ALICIA: You know, Coraline adores you so much. Sometimes I think some part of her knows the truth. (Beat) That she's your flesh and blood.

(CORA drops her book, and runs offstage)

ISABEL ALICIA: What was that?

PHINEAS: Lise, I hope. She's a lot better with secrets than Angelica.

ISABEL ALICIA: (Looks stage left) Nobody.

PHINEAS: Perhaps we should continue in the garden. (Offers her his arm) Shall we?

ISABEL ALICIA: Absolutely.

(ISABEL ALICIA AND PHINEAS exit stage right)

(Beat)

(CORA reenters)

CORA: (Calling) Yes, Madame, I'll only need a moment. (She sits back at the desk) (Beat) (To the audience) I only dreamt that. It can't be true... (She buries her face in her hands)